Camille Saint-Saëns

French composer, organist and pianist who, as a child prodigy, was composing at the age of six and performing as a pianist by the age of ten. He entered the Paris Conservatoire at the age of thirteen and composed his first symphony in 1853. From 1858 through 1877, he was the organist for the Church of Madeleine and in 1875 Saint-Saens started his worldwide tours.

Writing came easily to him; his works included the opera "Samson And Delilah," and symphonic poems such as "Danse Macabre," "Carneval Des Animaux" and "Third Symphony." Among his numerous honors he had a membership in the Institut de France, 1881, and Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur in 1913. Saint-Saens composed five piano concertos and three violin concertos, developing a brilliant technique.

He died on 16 December 1921, Algiers.